Ben 10 Shaker Maker

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Initial thoughts: This is one of those craft toys that tends to sit around in a cupboard just waiting for a wet afternoon. I’m not sure it’s something I’d have bought myself (it was provided to us as part of the ToysRUs Toyologist programme) as it seems like a recipe for lots of mess, that won’t be easy to clean up. Flea, I should say, didn’t share my reservations.

We liked: The process of making the Ben10 figures is simple enough – mix the plaster of paris with water, shake and pour into the mould. You have to be careful to clip the mould together properly or it won’t work properly. Then leave for 90 minutes, remove the mould and magic! You have a Ben10 figure ready to paint using the included paints and brush.

We weren’t keen: It’s pretty tough to get your figure to match the box – for starters because you have to mix the colours – not easy when you’re working with an impatient five year old. The paint pots themselves are on the small side, too.

Overall: The Ben10 Shaker Maker is a fun activity that can be done within a single day with quite effective results. You’ll need to help children make this, and the painting is tricky, but overall lots of fun, and pretty good value. You can also order new plaster kits so this becomes reusable.